I Samuel 3:3
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Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
In the foregoing chapter we had Samuel a young priest, though by birth a Levite only, for he ministered before the Lord in a linen ephod; in this chapter we have him a young prophet, which was more, God in an extraordinary manner revealing himself to him, and in him reviving, if not commencing, prophecy in Israel. Here is, I. God's first manifestation of himself in an extraordinary manner to Samuel (Sa1 3:1-10). II. The message he sent by him to Eli (Sa1 3:11-14). III. The faithful delivery of that message to Eli, and his submission to the righteousness of God in it (Sa1 3:15-18). IV. The establishment of Samuel to be a prophet in Israel (Sa1 3:19-21).
Open source ↗3:3 The priests were responsible for keeping the lamp of God burning through the night (Exod 27:20-21; 30:7-8). • That Samuel was sleeping . . . near the Ark symbolizes his nearness to God’s presence and purpose, in contrast to Eli and his sons.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.
But I will enter Your house by the abundance of Your loving devotion; in reverence I will bow down toward Your holy temple.
The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in His temple all cry, “Glory!”
Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously.
Every morning and every evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the LORD. They set out the rows of showbread on the ceremonially clean table, and every evening they light the lamps of the gold lampstand. We are carrying out the requirements of the LORD our God, while you have forsaken Him.